Seahawks injury updates: Okung, Chancellor ‘close’ to returning

Pete Carroll addressed the Seahawks’ injured players on the first day of training camp:

Left tackle Russell Okung, who had offseason surgery on his left foot, participated in walk throughs (basically just stretching) at the beginning of practice but did none of the individual or team drills. Carroll said Okung is “just days away from proving it. It might take him, if we’re conservative, maybe a couple of weeks. We’ll take our time there.”

Safety Kam Chancellor, who had surgery on his hip this offseason, is “really close and champing at the bit to go”, Carroll said. Carroll said he expects both Okung and Chancellor back soon.

Linebacker BruceIrvin, who also had hip surgery, will probably need all training camp before returning, Carroll said.

Linebacker Korey Toomer didn’t practice because of a nagging hamstring injury, and Carroll said Toomer will likely be out a couple of weeks. Carroll added, “That’s unfortunate because he had such a great offseason, and we’re so excited about him. And he’s excited about this chance, but we’re just going to have to wait it out.”

Linebacker Malcolm Smith, who had ankle surgery, is also a couple weeks away from returning. Carroll said Smith is running and working out, but the holdup is making sure he can handle practicing every day. “We’re just making sure that once he gets back he stays back,” Carroll said. “He has to show he can tolerate the work day after day after day. Until that happens, we’ll still take it easy on him.”

Offensive tackle Michael Bowie tweaked his shoulder during Friday’s practice, Carroll said, which allowed rookie Justin Britt to get reps with the first-team offensive line. “He opened up the door,” Carroll said of Bowie. “Remember that Wally Pipp story.”

Rookie defensive back Eric Pinkins was in a walking boot with a Lisfranc injury, the same injury that sidelined Titans quarterback Jake Locker last year. Carroll said he expects Pinkins to be out four to six weeks. Here’s a story from USA Today on Lisfranc injuries.